HomeIllinoisSouth Elgin › James “Pate” Philips State Park Cross Country Skiing Trail

James “Pate” Philips State Park Cross Country Skiing Trail

4.5 ★★★★★ 22 Google reviews · Running trail in South Elgin, Illinois · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of James “Pate” Philips State Park Cross Country Skiing Trail yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

What runners say about James “Pate” Philips State Park Cross Country Skiing Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (22 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

A wonderful respite from the city, complete with wide, easily accessible trails, a variety of birds and wildflowers, and an amazing natural prairie. Highly recommended.

★★★★★ — Amanda , Jun 2022

Nice open trail, though it has to get shared with snow shoe-ers end other hikers. Fun while the snow lasts.

★★★★★ — Joel , Mar 2021

Very nice place to walk, bike, and bring your dog. There are bodies of water you can see with tons of different types of wildlife. Very peaceful and I recommend everyone in the area to stop by and enjoy the nature surrounded by this metropolitan area.

★★★★★ — George , Apr 2023

What are hiking trails I got a lake back there not a lot of shade you'll be parking right in the Sun but they have power hookups and the place where you can Grill

★★★★☆ — Shane , Oct 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 22 reviews →

Plan your run at James “Pate” Philips State Park Cross Country Skiing Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • Phone+1 847-608-3100

Where to find James “Pate” Philips State Park Cross Country Skiing Trail

2054 W Stearns Rd, South Elgin, IL 60177

Get directions

Running trails near South Elgin

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Bartlett Nature Center

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under a mile away

James Pate Philip State Park

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Home to a diverse array of wildlife, this open area offers a visitor center, picnic spots & trails.

under a mile away

Valley View Park

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under a mile away

Pratts Wayne Woods Forest Preserve

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under a mile away

Pratt's Wayne Woods

4.7 ★★★★★ 175 reviews

Bartlett, IL

MixedScenicDog-friendly

Spacious natural area popular for fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing & remote-control vehicles.

1.1 miles away

Blue Heron Park

4.5 ★★★★★ 99 reviews

Bartlett, IL

Shaded

Popular neighborhood park featuring playgrounds, slides and a fenced-in splash pad.

1.4 miles away

All running trails in South Elgin, IL →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.